Colombia Adventure Holiday

Bogota is set at an altitude of over 2600m with the high ranges of the Cordillera Mountains lying to the east. Bogotá’s name comes from the Chibcha word ‘Bacata.’ Bacata was the territory of the zipa (overlord) of the Muisca Indian tribes that inhabited the region before the arrival of the Spaniards. Gonzalo Jimenez of Quesada was the first European to set foot in the lands of the Muiscas nation in 1538. The capital city boasts grand colonial churches, impressive museums, futuristic architecture and a vibrant cultural scene. Arriving today we check-in to our hotel.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

This morning we head to the colourful colonial streets of La Candelaria for a tour of the city. Walking under the balconied houses from where local residents often observe the comings and goings below, we’ll cross the vast Plaza de Bolivar encountering some excellent examples of colonial architecture, such as the Catedral Primada de Colombia and San Bartolome College. We’ll also visit the Gold Museum, which is regarded as housing the finest collection of gold from pre- Hispanic times. Something not to be missed in La Candelaria are the many ‘chocolaterias’, where you could sample the famous Bogotano hot chocolate. In the afternoon we will head out of the town and take the cable car up Mount Monserrate for magnificent views of the city. On top of the mountain there is a church and this is a place of pilgrimage due to its statue of Senor Caido, the fallen Christ. If weather conditions allow you should be rewarded with fine views across the city and the countryside beyond.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Today we strike north to Villa de Leyva. Along the way we will visit the Salt Cathedral at Zipaquira. This immense structure, carved out of solid salt, can accommodate over 8,000 people and was part of the salt mines. Curving and twisting tunnels descend into the Roman Catholic Church, passing 14 small chapels representing the Stations of the Cross, illustrating the events of Jesus' last journey. This afternoon our journey will continue through Samaca and on to Villa de Leyva which was founded in 1574 and is one of Colombia’s colonial treasures. This is a town nestled in the Andean foothills where time seems to have almost stood still. Declared a national monument in 1954, it’s easy to see why Villa de Leyva’s local residents have been keen to preserve the thriving heart of this old town. Cobbled streets thread their way between whitewashed buildings and the colonial architectural style, with wood framed windows and balconies laden with flowers and plants, is a delight to behold.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

After breakfast we’ll take a stroll through the town and see the main historical sights, including the plaza which is reputed to be the largest town square in Colombia. In the afternoon you might like to visit the well known geological site of El Fossil or the Muisca Observatory, both of which are located only a few kilometres from the town itself (optional). Long ago Villa de Leyva was deep below the ocean and over millennia it rose to form the Andean range and brought with it an abundance of fossils. Among these is a 170 million year old Kronosaurus – a 13m sea reptile – which is the most complete example in the world. The Muisca Observatory, El Infiernito, is another interesting site, it was used by the Muiscas, a people living in central Colombia at the time of the Spanish conquest, as an astronomical observatory and a place of worship. The observatory is home to thirty cylindrical stone monoliths and the site was used to plan planting seasons and harvests. Alternatively, you may wish to stay in town soaking up the laid back atmosphere, visiting one of its many museums and churches.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Driving back to the outskirts of Bogotá, we’ll take a short flight to Manizales. The town, situated in the mountains with steep slopes all round, is in a very fertile region at the heart of the country’s coffee production. From the airport we head south, away from the city to the peaceful surrounds of the lush green countryside. Arriving this afternoon there should be time to explore something of the local area on foot.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Departing early this morning we have a full day out exploring Los Nevados National Park, which provides unrivalled access to some of the highest peaks of the Colombian Andes. At 5,325m, Nevado del Ruiz, is the highest and northernmost summit in a chain of active volcanoes throughout this region. It last seriously erupted in 1985, completely burying the town of Armero and causing an estimated 23,000 deaths. As a result the mountain is referred to as ‘the Sleeping Lion’ by the locals who live in its shadow. Driving up into the National Park (4800m) we plan to explore this stunning landscape on foot. After the exertions of the day, there is the chance to unwind in the nearby thermal pools before returning back at the end of the day, tired but exhilarated. N.B. we spend a lot of today at a very high altitude - please refer to the “Altitude” section of this dossier for more information about the possible effects. If you do not wish to travel to such high altitude then there is the option of taking a tour of Manizales with visits to the downtown area, the cathedral and monument of Los Colonizadores from where you get spectacular views of the city. The tour finishes with a relaxing time at the thermal baths.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Making an early start today, we take a bus to Armenia, capital of Quindio department and another important coffee growing centre. This is one of the most attractive parts of the country and when we arrive we will take a half day trip to a local coffee farm, where you’ll learn about the whole process from the beans being picked to trying the fresh coffee.

Overnight Hacienda (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning you can either stay and enjoy some free time at the Hacienda or alternatively take a tour to Salento and the Cocora Valley. Later on we’ll fly to Cartagena via Bogota, hailed as one of the most fascinating colonial cities in Latin America. Located on the country’s Caribbean coast, Cartagena de Indias was one of the first cities to be founded by the Spanish in South America and today is famed both for its history and beauty. Our hotel this evening is located in the heart of the old-town, surrounded by the reassuring city walls and the perfect spot from which to wander to one of the city’s many fine restaurants and bars.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

We’ll spend the next two days exploring this wonderful city. Considered by many as one of the world's most beautiful cities, Cartagena was founded in 1533 by Spanish conquerors as a main port to transport people and their goods into South America, and export gold, silver and all sorts of plants, animals, minerals and handicrafts from all over the continent across the Caribbean and on to Europe. The city quickly became a major trading port, particularly for precious metals. Gold and silver from the mines in New Granada and Peru were loaded in Cartagena on galleons bound for Spain via Havana. It was also a slave port; Cartagena and Veracruz (in México) were the only cities authorized to trade in slaves. This business necessitated the construction of defences and massive fortified walls surround the old city which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On day 9 we’ll go on a half day tour with our guide around the old town visiting, among other things, the San Felipe Fort, Convent de la Popa and the Convent de San Pedro Claver. There’s plenty to do including optional trips by boat to the outlying Isla del Encanto, one of the Islas del Rosario. This archipelago has some great snorkelling, nice beaches and beautiful Caribbean views. An offbeat alternative is to travel on fisherman’s canoes through mangrove swamps to the old fishing village La Boquilla (optional). In the evening of day 10 we will take a relaxing horse drawn carriage ride round the beautiful and historical colonial district of Cartagena, a great way to finish off our stay here.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Leaving Cartagena we’ll make the short drive to Totumo volcano, unusual because it has no lava and is filled with liquid mud. We may be able to walk to the top (15m) and bathe in the mud which is supposed to have healing properties. Afterwards we continue to Barranquilla, visiting the cultural Museo del Caribe.  We then journey on returning to the Caribbean coast once more, we arrive in Taganga, a small fishing village on the outskirts of Tayrona National Park, where we spend the night.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Today we drive into Tayrona National Park, that has within its boundaries perhaps one of the most beautiful coastal landscapes to be found anywhere in the Americas, if not the world. From the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, thick, green jungle tumbles down over the lower foothills to palm-fringed, pristine sandy beaches. It’s been described by the few who have been there as a paradise and it’s easy to see why. Overlooked by the highest coastal mountain range in the world (5770m), the coastline is scattered with enormous boulders spewed from long ago active volcanoes. We plan to spend today walking along this picturesque coastline. First reaching the coast involves a walk through the jungle of about 45mins to one hour, from here it is possible to keep walking along the beaches for another hour or two, although if you do not wish to walk this far, you can stop at one of the many coves en route to rest and swim, those that walk the full distance have to walk back along the same route anyway, so we’ll pick people up on our way back to the start point as we go. After a late lunch back at the first beach, we’ll walk back through the jungle to meet our transport to take us back to Taganga.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

After our full-on day yesterday, we have a relaxing start this morning in Taganga. There’s the chance to wander along the beach watching the fisherman haul their boats up the beach, explore the village or just relax on the beach. This afternoon we drive to Santa Marta from where we’ll catch our flight back to Bogotá.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Included meals: Breakfast